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ED HOFF: MAN ON A MISSION

Ed Hoff
has his eye on the prize. He knows
his strengths and is using them to
quickly make a name for himself on
the UH campus. He discovered at an
early age that he has a knack for
public speaking, and he has used his
skills to get involved on campus and
in the community. He is truly on a
mission to become a successful
future leader.

“Public speaking is something that I
excelled at when I was younger,”
Hoff, a corporate communications
major, said. “I wasn’t afraid to
stand up there and speak my mind or
read a script, so I knew that it was
a skill that I wanted to continue to
develop.”

This first-year college student is
considered a sophomore due to credit
work completed while attending high
school in Montgomery, Texas, where
he was very involved in theatre,
speech and debate. Hoff is also an
Eagle Scout, member of the Sons of
the American Legion, and was made an
honorary member of the Lake Conroe
Rotary Club for his commitment to
the environment and community
service. His character and
leadership were recognized at the
American Legion’s Boy’s State when
he was voted the Lieutenant Governor
for the Nationalist Party. He is a
descendant of Steven F. Austin’s
“Old 300” original settlers of Texas
and has twice addressed the Texas
House of Representatives. He has
also performed ceremonies at the
Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in
Arlington, Virginia and at the
Dignity Memorial Moving Vietnam
Wall. He has brought these speaking
talents to UH while successfully
balancing his studies and activities
as a college student.

“I knew I wanted to participate in
activities on campus because I’m one
of those people that wants to be
involved in a positive way with
other students and the University,”
he said.

While taking a full course load, the
Cougar Village resident has found
the perfect fit by getting involved
in Residential Life and Housing (RLH)
and the UH Forensics Society
representing UH in national speaking
competitions. Recently, the team won
several awards including First Place
in the Individual Events at the 48th
Annual Falcon Forensics Tournament
hosted by the U.S. Air Force
Academy.

Hoff was elected to be the Vice
President of Special Programs for
Residential Housing Association (RHA)
and is the student team leader in
the RLH housing office, working 25
hours a week between both positions
to help pay for his college tuition.
After participating in a town hall
meeting as a representative for RHA,
Hoff was offered the opportunity to
utilize his public speaking and
leadership skills to give tours for
incoming students and manage the
student staff at the housing office.
Each week, Hoff tells visitors about
the benefits of living on campus and
how it can enhance the student’s
transition from high school to the
college experience.

“I wanted to do something that
reflected positively on Cougar
life,” he said. “Being able to use
my communication skills to do what I
love, like being able to show people
how becoming a Cougar will literally
change their lives forever, is
pretty cool. I enjoy every second I
spend helping others.”

Hoff has gained a lot of fans at the
RLH office. They have recognized his
strong character and honorable work
ethic since he has become a part of
their team.

For the future, Hoff said he hopes
to play to his strengths and do
public relations or advertising for
a corporation. He wants to
eventually become an advocate for a
cause he believes in.

“I’m hoping to be a part of an
organization that benefits the
environment,” he said.

This summer, Hoff plans to be a
counselor at a UH sponsored speech
and debate camp for elementary and
middle school children to help teach
the value of developing
communication skills to be able to
speak your mind.

With his proven leadership,
communication skills, intelligence
and positive attitude, Hoff is sure
to become a leader of tomorrow and
make the University of Houston
proud.